An investigation by the Public Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office into possible ethical breaches stemming from EC trustee Nathaniel Jackson’s year-long absence from trustee board meetings proved inconclusive after nearly a month long inquiry.
“The investigation found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Jackson is guilty of misappropriation of public funds,” Jennifer Lintz Snyder, the Assistant head Deputy of the Public Integrity Division said.
The Public Integrity Division is in charge of ensuring that public officials fulfill their mandated duties.
The matter of Jackson’s absences was addressed by David Demerjian of the Integrity Division after a complaint was made in August.
Jackson has been absent from trustee meetings due to illness stemming from a surgery he underwent sometime in the fall of 2009.
The decision from the D.A.’s office dealt with the $400 per month stipend Jackson receives despite his absence. Under current government code, absences with pay are excused if the board recognizes in its meeting minutes that the member is absent due to illness.
During the beginning of summer sometime in June, President Tom Fallo’s contract was allowed for automatic renewal after his performance was discussed over the course of numerous trustee meetings, all of which Jackson was absent from.
However Ray Gen, the president of the board has kept him informed.
“Dr. Jackson receives all the materials that we receive. In addition, as the president of the board, I have written him monthly regarding any important issues facing the board,” Gen said.
Gen also added that Jackson had no objections with the rest of the board’s decision to continue the president’s contract without a pay cut or increase.
Prior to his continuous absence, Jackson had a near immaculate attendance record, averaging just under one missed meeting a year since he first joined the governing body in 1995.
Jackson’s overall history with the college spans 30 years and includes a position as a psychology instructor and a former dean in addition to being the Inglewood representative on the board.
“It sounds like he had a legitimate reason to be absent,” Monica Colavita, business major, said. “But what kind of injury do you get where you can’t attend a meeting for the whole year? If he’s been gone for so long they should replace him and stop wasting our money.”